A new automated sediment removal system has been inaugurated at the Venaus hydroelectric plant in Piedmont, Italy. The system continuously clears sediment from the plant’s basin, improving water storage capacity, increasing electricity production, and reducing the need for periodic shutdowns for cleaning.
The technology uses agitators to lift sediment from the basin floor, which is then collected by a dredging raft and transported via pipeline to the Mompantero hydroelectric plant downstream. There, the sediment is diluted and released into the Cenischia stream in a controlled manner.
A key feature of the project is the integration with floating solar panels installed at the Venaus basin. The system currently includes more than 5,000 bifacial panels produced by 3Sun in Catania. The solar panels supply power to the agitators located beneath the floating platform.
The plant is also equipped with sensors that monitor sediment movement, water levels, and flow rates. The sensors allow remote fault management, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring of river ecosystem conditions.
According to Enel, which manages the facility, the system reduces operational interruptions, increases renewable energy production, and helps return sediments to the river in a way that lowers the risk of coastal erosion. The floating solar panels also provide additional clean energy and reduce water evaporation from the basin.
The company said the system could be replicated at other plants to improve efficiency and sustainability in hydropower operations.
